Friday, March 21, 2008

Dearest God,

We sat at round tables, talking about the day's events. We were regular people, old and older with the exception of our 20 something student pastor.

I stood and gave my round table friends an option not to participate in the footwashing service. But they all leaned down, took off their shoes and socks, then slipped them under the table. They were ready to be servants.

I lifted the large round white ceramic bowl and placed it before my young colleague. Then I took the pitcher filled with warm water. I knelt and put the white towel across my thighs. I leaned over, poured water into the bowl and placed Nick's feet into the bowl. There I took handfuls of water and let it flow out of my hands onto his feet. I took his feet in my hands and held them. And then I prayed for this man of God. A minute later I dried his feet, then placed the white towel on his lap.

I returned to my seat in the quiet upper room. I could not help watching each one as their feet were washed, then taking the towel, kneeling and washing their neighbor's feet. What a beautiful array of love received and shared. One man 95 years old, his first time, I am sure, kneeling before a lady in her 70's. I was certain I was watching Jesus.

I thought of the great numbers of people who've "washed" my feet throughout my 61 years. Persons whose love cared for my needs, reached out during a time of suffering, those who gifted me with friendship and agape love. So many that tears formed in my eyes and fell down my cheeks.

Composing myself I stood at the table prepared just like the one 2,000 years ago. The body. The blood. The wondrous gift. And as I stood there looking at my friends I remembered the countless tables where I've received your grace. Every one the table of my Lord.

We offered the gift to one another. The blue clay plate and cup from the Taize community in France, the brothers, the foreign population from all over the world joining together to sing and eat together. Is there anything more beautiful?

As we hugged one another goodbye, I realized that your own son was present with us.

Your presence
so blesses me.
I recognize
my smallness
and your greatness.
I know
I have not earned
your great love.
Yet the table
is set
for me.
And you still
lean down
and wash
my dirty feet.
So filled
with gratitude.

Love, Andrea